UI Health Care aims to advance world class discovery through excellence and innovation in biomedical and health sciences research, and our students play a crucial role in this pursuit. One way we foster research opportunities for our medical students is through the Iowa Medical Student Research Program (IMSRP). For over a decade, the program has encouraged increasing numbers of our students to participate in research programs throughout their medical school training and beyond.

Last Friday, as part of the IMSRP program, the Carver College of Medicine held its 42nd annual Medical Student Research Day. Our medical students gave 36 oral presentations during the event and participants had the chance to peruse 87 of their poster presentations. These displays proved to be an enjoyable way for the UI Health Care community to learn about a myriad of research conducted by our students, and provided an exciting forum in which our students could showcase their hard work and receive constructive feedback. The successful day concluded with a celebration dinner where students were recognized for their outstanding efforts, and I congratulated them all on an outstanding job.

As witnessed in last week’s activities, the enthusiasm and commitment of our medical students to the pursuit of knowledge and discovery is truly inspirational. It is my hope that all of us will remain committed to encouraging their success and providing them with the best medical education possible.

Dr. Gantz will receive Distinguished Mentor Award

In December, the UI Carver College of Medicine will present the 2010 Distinguished Mentor Award to Bruce Gantz, MD, the Brian F. McCabe Distinguished Chair in Otolaryngology; professor and head of the Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery.

The award is given annually to a faculty member who has demonstrated a significant commitment to the mentorship and training of individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to science, medical education, and patient care in their own distinguished careers. In its broadest sense, mentoring is meant to include research training, classroom teaching, clinical training, and faculty career development.

Nominations sought for 2011 awards

Nominations for the 2011 Distinguished Mentor Award are now being accepted. Candidates should have spent a major portion of their career at The University of Iowa, and may include: 1) mentors who have finished their active careers or have achieved emeritus status, or 2) active senior faculty who have made a substantial impact by training individuals who have achieved notable success as independent faculty members.

Candidates should be known for their collegiality, dedication to their profession, and the betterment of the Carver College of Medicine and the UI. For complete information, including criteria and submission requirements, please go to the UI Carver College of Medicine website.

Receptions this week

All UI Health Care faculty, staff, and students are invited to two receptions this week:

• Wednesday, Sept. 15, 3 to 4 p.m., MERF Atrium, to welcome Curt Sigmund, PhD, as the new head of pharmacology, and recognize Donna Hammond, PhD, for her service as interim head of the department. Remarks at 3:30 p.m.

• Friday, Sept. 17, 3 to 4 p.m., East Room, UI Hospitals and Clinics, to thank Michael Artman, MD, for his service as professor and head of pediatrics and physician-in-chief of UI Children’s Hospital. Remarks at 3:30 p.m.

UI Health Care TODAY set for September 21

Everyone working, learning, and volunteering with UI Health Care is invited to the “UI Health Care TODAY” staff forum at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 21, in the East Room (Elevator F, Level 8), UI Hospitals and Clinics, or view the forum in a live webcast on your computer
from The Point.

Topics for this forum include: updates on the strategic plan, service excellence, financial and other performance trends, staff and faculty awards and recognition, and the Iowa River Landing project. Online and live audience members also have a chance to win a door prize for correct answers to the Question of the Day. And, as always, audience questions are encouraged!

State of the College address is September 21

Everyone working, learning, or volunteering with UI Health Care is invited to the State of the College address on Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 5:15 to
6:15 p.m. in the Prem Sahai Auditorium, Level 1, Medical Education and Research Facility.

UI Carver College of Medicine Dean Paul Rothman, MD, will discuss highlights of the past year, challenges and opportunities, and goals for 2011.
The presentation will be taped and placed on the UI Carver College of Medicine website for those who cannot attend in person.

UI Heart and Vascular Center adds clinic hours

Beginning today, the UI Heart and Vascular Center will have evening clinic hours from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. The evening clinic will offer assessment and treatment by cardiologists from a range of subspecialties in addition to diagnostic services such as EKG (electrocardiogram), heart stress testing, and echo imaging.

The evening clinic is open to all new patients with heart health concerns such as chest pain during exertion, family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or shortness of breath. The UI Heart and Vascular Center is located on the fourth floor of the Roy Carver Pavilion. For more information or to make an appointment, call 356-7102.